Who shouldn't eat cold food in the summer?

The hot summer weather leads many people to seek out cold treats like ice cream, shaved ice, iced drinks, or chilled beverages to alleviate the oppressive heat.

Some people with sensitive digestive systems should avoid eating or drinking cold foods and beverages - Illustration by AI

However, according to guidelines from the Food Safety Department ( Ministry of Health ), not everyone is suitable to eat cold foods, especially those with weak constitutions or chronic diseases. Improper consumption of cold foods can do more harm than good, offering only temporary relief.

People with weak digestive systems (bloating, diarrhea, gastritis, etc.) should avoid eating cold foods. Cold foods can easily constrict blood vessels in the stomach and intestines, affecting the digestive process.

People who frequently experience bloating, indigestion, or digestive disorders are more likely to have their symptoms worsen when consuming cold foods. Those with respiratory illnesses (sore throat, tonsillitis, asthma, etc.) are also more likely to experience adverse reactions if they eat a lot of cold food.

Cold foods easily irritate the throat lining, causing inflammation or triggering the recurrence of chronic respiratory illnesses. Children or adults with a history of sore throat or bronchitis are particularly susceptible to relapses when drinking ice water or eating ice cream. This is also true for people with weakened immune systems (young children, the elderly, pregnant women).

A weakened immune system makes it difficult for the body to adapt to sudden temperature changes. Eating cold foods can cause hypothermia, easily leading to colds or intestinal infections.

During menstruation, consuming cold foods and drinks can easily cause uterine contractions, leading to more severe menstrual cramps and affecting blood circulation. In particular, some women experience symptoms of coldness even in summer, such as cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold, and loose stools.

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So what should these people eat to avoid negative effects on their bodies? According to the Food Safety Administration's guidelines, instead of cold foods, you should supplement your diet with cooling, easily digestible, and nutritious foods such as: cooling vegetables and fruits, watermelon, cucumber, dragon fruit, oranges, grapefruit, centella, bitter melon, houttuynia cordata… to help cool the body, provide water and vitamins.

Consume fresh or juiced fruits, limiting the addition of ice . Eat cooling soups such as: winter melon soup, water spinach soup, chives soup, or seaweed soup to cool the body and aid digestion.

Easily digestible, water-rich foods such as porridge, light soup, vermicelli, and pho are easy to digest and help the body retain water well during the summer.

Another important factor is drinking water properly . Prioritize filtered water, herbal teas, and cooling drinks (such as pennywort juice, artichoke tea, or roasted black bean water), sipping small amounts throughout the day. Avoid drinking ice-cold water, especially after exercising or being in the sun.

To protect your health, if you are among those who should avoid cold foods, don't let your "craving for cold" deceive your health.

Consuming cold drinks should be done in moderation, not excessively, to avoid long-term effects. Even healthy people should limit drinking very cold water after exercising, showering, or eating a heavy meal.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ai-khong-nen-an-do-lanh-mua-he-20250606154553187.htm